Juan Calderon (AKA Jack) Oral History

Of Chumash and Spanish descent, Jack and his family moved from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara in 1946 for a better life. Jack recalls the invisible racial lines of both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and how both cities have changed. Despite growing up mostly in Los Angeles, Jack, a descendant of several founding Presidio families, is rooted in Santa Barbara, from being baptized at the Santa Barbara Mission to playing on the pier as a young boy. His memories illustrate Santa Barbara as a place of community, family, and hope.

Above Photo: Jack (right) with his daughter, Suzi Calderon Bellman (December 2011).

Clip 1: Jack recalls Christmas in the old neighborhood.

Clip 2: If you have a fresh-baked pie, you might want to keep it away from Jack!

*To hear the entire oral history interview or additional clips, please make an appointment with the Presidio Research Center at (805) 966-5073.